The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC) Announces Grant Recipient of “RUN THE BLOCK” Pilot Program

November 14, 2024

The $200,000 Grant and Mentorship Program Aims to Transform Running Industry Ownership and Bring New Energy to Local Communities

(Seattle, WA), November 14, 2024 /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – The Running Industry Diversity Coalition (RIDC), a nonprofit organization whose mission is to unite the running industry to improve the inclusion, visibility, and access for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, today announced Carol Holland and Jesse Holland as the grant recipients of the inaugural “RUN THE BLOCK” program. “RUN THE BLOCK” is a pilot mentoring and grant program focused on expanding Black ownership in the running industry in its first year.

Having received over 100 applications, anyone could apply to the “RUN THE BLOCK” Grant Program with at least 51% Black ownership—a criterion aimed at increasing access to financial support and mentorship for businesses substantially owned and run by Black individuals, addressing historical barriers to access capital.

“When we launched RUN THE BLOCK, we envisioned it as a catalyst for business success and generational wealth in the communities we serve. This year marks a pivotal step in that journey,” stated Kiera Smalls, Executive Director of RIDC. “The stories we heard from applicants nationwide were deeply inspiring, and we’re thrilled to partner with Carol and Jesse as they launch and grow their run specialty store. As they grow within run specialty, the RIDC is committed to supporting them, helping pave the way for future retail owners. Together, we’re building a more inclusive industry that welcomes community leaders and professionals from all backgrounds, bringing fresh perspectives to elevate the running industry as a whole.”

Native to Prince George’s County, Maryland, Carol Holland is an engineering executive, former All-American track star and Athletic Hall of Fame member at the U.S. Naval Academy, and her husband, Jesse Holland, is a college professor, author and journalist. The RIDC grant will help them open Haraka – their future run specialty store that will supply running and walking shoes, accessories, clothing and nutrition; serving communities in the local area and the broader District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia regions.

“We are so pleased to be the inaugural recipients of this much-needed grant,” stated Carol and Jesse Holland, future owners of Haraka. “Too often, many communities in our area don’t have the equipment, support, and encouragement they need to get outside and enjoy the benefits of exercise. We look forward to serving the runners, joggers and walkers of all ages in our area and bring running shoe expertise to our community, honoring our amazing tradition of track and field excellence and delivering a much-needed service to Prince George’s County!”

The “RUN THE BLOCK” Selection Committee consisted of run industry leaders ranging from market-leading brands and owners of run specialty stores to business growth development; Kerin Hemepl, former CEO of New York Road Runners; Jason Hunt, owner of Elite Feet; Joy Hunt, owner of Elite Feet; Parker Karnan, Founder and General Manager at Karnan Associates; Skot Welch, President and Founder of Global BridgeBuilders, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of New Community Transformative Fund; and Rick Wilhelm, Vice President, U.S. Specialty Retail Accounts at Brooks Running.

Utilizing the $200,000 grant, thanks to the support from Brooks Running and others, the RIDC and “RUN THE BLOCK” mentorship team will guide Carol and Jesse Holland in conceptualizing, creating, and growing Haraka in the Prince George’s County, Maryland area with doors set to open in the summer/fall of 2025.

To learn more about RIDC, the “RUN THE BLOCK” Grant Program, and the grant recipients, Jesse Holland & Carol Holland, please visit runningdiversity.com/runtheblock.

Please direct media inquiries to OutsidePR, RIDC@OutsidePR.com.

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At the Running Industry Diversity Coalition, we’re an educational nonprofit with a mission beyond running—we’re dedicated to championing transformative change within the sport. We partner with brands, race events, retailers, and run clubs to ignite unparalleled advancements for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color. The RIDC’s vision is to see and experience a running industry committed to racial justice where Black, Indigenous, and People of Color are welcomed, valued, and amplified. For more information, visit www.runningdiversity.com.